Bucs, Seahawks Face Mayfield, Darnold Contract Decisions

Bucs, Seahawks Face Crucial Mayfield, Darnold Contract Decisions

The NFL offseason is heating up, and for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks, the biggest question revolves around their quarterbacks. Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold are both at points in their careers where their teams need to decide on long-term futures. This isn’t just about one or two players; it’s about how teams build for sustained success in a league that constantly evolves.

Mayfield’s Future in Tampa Bay

Baker Mayfield has one year left on his contract with the Buccaneers, but the team is reportedly looking to work out an extension this offseason. This comes after a season where Mayfield showed flashes of his potential, especially in the first half of the year. The question for Mayfield is whether to sign a deal now or test the free agency waters later, potentially aiming for a bigger payday or a better situation.

Playing out his contract could offer Mayfield leverage. History shows that quarterbacks who wait can sometimes secure more lucrative deals, especially if the market resets or teams become desperate. Players like Dak Prescott and Kirk Cousins have seen their market value increase by reaching true free agency. However, Mayfield’s injury history adds a layer of risk to this strategy. A bad season or another injury could significantly lower his value.

“If you believe, which I assume he believes, that he can be successful other places, then becoming a true free agent suggests to me that that’s the best way to go about it.”

The article also points out that true free agency is rare in professional sports due to mechanisms like the franchise tag. The Buccaneers could potentially franchise tag Mayfield if they want to keep him but can’t agree on a long-term deal. This tag, while providing a significant salary for one year, can be financially crippling for a team and doesn’t offer the long-term security a player seeks.

Darnold’s Situation in Seattle

Sam Darnold finds himself in a similar, albeit slightly different, position with the Seahawks. While he played a role in their Super Bowl run, his performance was often described as uneven, particularly in the latter part of the season. The Seahawks have stated they won’t discuss an extension until next offseason, typically waiting until a player has only one year left on their deal.

The discussion around Darnold mirrors that of Mayfield: should he be a priority for an extension? The podcast hosts debated whether teams should pay a starting quarterback they know can perform, even if they aren’t an elite, top-tier talent. The argument is that having a reliable starter is better than the uncertainty of finding one through the draft or free agency.

The Philosophy of Building Around a Quarterback

A central theme of the discussion is the modern approach to building an NFL team. Some argue that if you have a quarterback who can start, you should invest in him. This approach emphasizes flexibility and versatility from the front office and coaching staff to build around the talent they have.

Others suggest a more diversified approach, akin to a financial portfolio, where spreading resources across multiple stable players might be wiser than heavily investing in a quarterback whose future performance is uncertain. This perspective highlights the success of teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, who built a dominant defense after paying Patrick Mahomes, or the San Francisco 49ers, who have found success through smart drafting and coaching, even with a quarterback on a rookie contract for a period.

Drafting and Roster Construction

The importance of hitting on draft picks, especially in the early rounds, cannot be overstated. Teams that consistently find talent in the draft, like the Eagles, Seahawks, and Rams, often have more flexibility in managing their salary cap. This allows them to pay their star players while still building a competitive roster.

However, the discussion also touched on the idea of roster identity. For teams like the Bills, Chiefs, and Ravens, the quarterback is the constant around which the team is built. For the Eagles, historically, the offensive line has been a similar cornerstone. The question remains: what is the core identity a team should prioritize and pay for?

The “Mid-Tier” Quarterback Debate

Mayfield and Darnold represent the category of quarterbacks who can start and win games but may not be considered elite franchise cornerstones. The article explores the idea that paying these types of quarterbacks, perhaps in the range of $30-40 million per year, could be a smart strategy if it allows a team to build a strong supporting cast.

“The difference in money to me seems like it’s kind of insignificant, especially if that shouldn’t be driving this decision.”

Ultimately, the decision for both the Buccaneers and Seahawks involves a complex risk-reward calculation. Do they pay their current quarterbacks and build around them, or do they look for alternatives? The success of teams that have creatively managed their salary caps and drafted well, like the Chiefs and Rams, provides blueprints, but each team’s path forward will be unique.

Looking Ahead

For Mayfield, the decision could shape the remainder of his career. For Darnold, it’s an opportunity to prove he can be a long-term answer for the Seahawks. Both teams are at a crossroads, and their choices in the coming months will likely define their competitive window for the foreseeable future.

Key Takeaways

• Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold face critical contract decisions with their respective teams.
• The Buccaneers are expected to pursue an extension with Mayfield, while the Seahawks are waiting on Darnold.
• The debate centers on whether to pay a solid, but not elite, quarterback versus building a team through other means.
• Successful drafting and creative roster construction are highlighted as keys to long-term success.
• Teams must weigh the risk of injury and inconsistent performance against the potential reward of a stable quarterback situation.

Source: Why the Bucs & Seahawks should pay Mayfield & Darnold | The Domonique Foxworth Show (YouTube)